Stephanie Suriano Supervisor of Science, K-12

West Orange Public Schools

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Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

Adopted by NJ in July of 2014 Grades 6-12 compliance in September 2016 Grades K-5 compliance in September 2017 Paradigm shift in science education

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Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

Goal: to produce students who can succeed in a global information economy fueled by advances and innovation in science, engineering, and technology.

Based on A Framework for Science Education K-12, by the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academy of Sciences.

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3 Dimensions of NGSS Disciplinary Core

Ideas (DCIs) Science and

Engineering Practices (SEPs)

Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs)

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Disciplinary Core Ideas

Life Science Physical Science Earth and Space Science Engineering Design

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8 Science & Engineering Practices

Asking questions and defining problems Developing and using models Planning and carrying out investigations Analyzing and interpreting data

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8 Science & Engineering Practices Using mathematics and computational

thinking Constructing explanations and designing

solutions Engaging in argument from evidence Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating

information

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7 Crosscutting Concepts Patterns

Cause and effect: Mechanism and explanation Scale, proportion, and quantity Systems and system models Energy and matter: Flows, cycles, and

conservation Structure and function Stability and change

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NGSS vs. Current Standards

Engineering component in all science courses K-12

More emphasis on big ideas More experiences in the practices of science

and engineering

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NGSS vs. Current Standards Integration with LA and Math common core More guidance on vertical alignment of

curriculum Greater use of teacher strategies that are

research based such as project-based learning

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NGSS Preparation 2013-2015 Middle school curriculum was analyzed in Fall

of 2013 and adjusted to emphasized topics included in NGSS

Purchased textbooks to support NGSS for Biology in 2013, Physics in 2014, for Earth Science in 2015

Writing curriculum for all levels of middle school science, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Honors Environmental Science, and Physics

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NGSS Preparation 2013-2015 Teachers increase knowledge through monthly

department meetings and professional development opportunities

Majority of 6-12 teachers attended out of district professional development

Elementary NGSS Orientation held at each elementary school Spring 2015

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Grades 6-12 Two Year Plan 2015-2016 Curricula completed by March 1 Spring 2016 teachers with new curricula will

meet to familiarize themselves and use time to collaborate on assessments, labs, projects, and lessons.

Recommend the adoption of NGSS aligned textbooks for Chemistry and Honors Environmental Science for September 2017.

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Grades 6-12 Two Year Plan 2016-2017 Continue to write curricula according to the

5-year cycle schedule Determine if there is a middle school program

aligned to NGSS to pilot and recommend for the 2017-2018 school year

Ongoing: Provide professional development Monitor lesson plans and instructional

practices for NGSS compliance

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Grades K-5 Two Year Plan 2015-2016 NGSS Orientation held a second time at every

elementary school Establish an Elementary Science Committee Examine the current curriculum and

recommend adjustments to the scope and sequence to better prepare teachers

June 2016 committee determines programs aligned to NGSS to pilot in Fall of 2016

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Grades K-5 Two Year Plan 2016-2017 Evaluate feedback on the NGSS programs and

make a recommendation to the district for September 2017

Collaborate with Language Arts and Math supervisors for interdisciplinary opportunities

Write K-5 curriculum during the 2016-2017 school year.

Provide professional development by grade 16

New Jersey Biology Competency Test (NJBCT)

Sequence of units adjusted June 2015 All teachers are within two days of the

required scope and sequence Teachers analyzed quarterly assessments and

developed action plans for their students.

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New Jersey Biology Competency Test (NJBCT)

Focus on improving students’ technical reading skills and interpreting data.

Teachers report to supervisor and contact parents if marking period grades are below a C, monitor struggling students, and provide support.

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Rutgers Health Science Courses

Obtained Career and Technical Education (CTE) program status in August 2015

Access to Perkins funds to support the program and reduction in cost of Rutgers end of course exams

Two new courses launched with 100 students enrolled

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Rutgers Health Science Courses

Students can earn up to 13 college credits from Rutgers

Dynamics of Health Care in Society; Anatomy and Physiology; Fundamentals of Health and Wellness; and Medical Terminology

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Contact Information Stephanie Suriano Supervisor of Science, K-12 973-669-5301 ext. 31580 ssuriano@woboe.org

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